Susan "Susie" Jane Stiles

Susan Jane Stiles, known to many as “Susie,” was born on a special day—February 29, 1944—to Carl & Mary Jane (Newman) Munster. She also had a special brother, David E Munster, who preceded her in death. As a Leap Year baby, Susie was truly one of a kind. From the start, her infectious smile and joyful spirit drew people in wherever she went. She was a cheerleader, embracing life with energy and grace.

In seventh grade, Susie met a boy who sat behind her in class, and from that moment on, they were inseparable. That boy was Edwin “Hugh” Stiles, who preceded her in death Nov. 2nd 2016. He was the love of her life and her husband of 50 years. They began dating at a young age and stayed together through all of life’s hills and valleys. Susie and Hugh were married on May 21, 1966, and together they raised three children who were her pride and joy: Jani (Tim) Hayden, Brighton, MI, Jeff (Kristi) Stiles, Battle Creek, Jill (Dan) Burkhart, Durango, CO

Her family grew to include beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the absolute light of her life: Carlye (Spencer) Mykala, Chloe (Dillon) Tierney, Lindsey (Jake) Nigg, Zachary Stiles, Maddox Burkhart, Camilla Burkhart, Madison Forman, Jake Forman, and Charlie Forman; along with great-grandchildren Hayden, Harper, and Hazel Mykala. She loved all their spouses as if they were her own children. Sue was also a treasured Aunt to many nieces and nephews and brother and sister in laws that adored her on both the Munster and Stiles side of the Family.

Susie’s life was marked by achievement and resilience. She was crowned Cereal Bowl Queen in high school, cheered at Battle Creek Central and Kellogg Community College, and earned her associate degree. She worked for many years as a medical transcription specialist and in various positions at Northside Pediatrics and Battle Creek Medical Associates. Later, she became an independent salesperson for Home Interiors Inc., winning numerous awards for her talent and dedication. She was also a Sunday School teacher when the kids were young.

In 1988, Susie and Hugh moved to Ohio for Hugh’s career. Though she had never lived outside Battle Creek, Susie embraced the change with courage and grace. She began a highly successful chapter at Nestlé, eventually becoming Manager of the Benefits Call Center. Her expertise and leadership took her as far as Costa Rica, where she lived for three months training teams and creating reference manuals—a testament to her adaptability and professionalism.

After retiring, Susie and Hugh returned to Michigan to be closer to family. Family was the most important thing in the world to her. She faced health challenges later in life, including lung cancer over the past several years, with grace and strength. Always beautiful, always smiling, and always put together, Susie taught everyone around her to push through hard times and savor the good ones.

Susie had a gift for making every space feel like home. Her love of decorating, crafting, and gardening brought beauty to everything she touched. Her basement craft area overflowed with flowers, wreaths, and arrangements, each piece crafted with love. Her green thumb was legendary. Plants didn’t just bloom under her care; they flourished in vibrant color. She made friends everywhere she went, neighbors, store clerks, hairdressers, because people were drawn to her warmth and kindness.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Susie leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and joy—and the reminder to make the best of life no matter what it brings. Though our hearts ache, we take comfort knowing she is reunited with Hugh and all those who went before her.

Funeral services to celebrate Susie's life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m.  A celebration of Life will follow at the DoubleTree Hotel Banquet Facility Downtown Battle Creek starting at 1:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Residential Hospice of Michigan and/or the Lung Cancer Foundation of America.